California Conventional Mortgage Loans
Conventional mortgage loans are traditional home loans that follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac underwriting guidelines. These programs are widely used for primary residences, second homes, and certain investment properties in California.
As a mortgage broker, we compare multiple conventional lenders to structure competitive financing aligned with credit profile, leverage strategy, and long-term financial goals.
This program is currently structured for California properties due to state licensing requirements.
WHAT IS A CONVENTIONAL LOAN?
A conventional loan is a mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by a government agency. Instead, it follows agency guidelines established by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
Conventional loans typically require:
- Standard income verification
- Credit qualification
- Debt-to-income ratio evaluation
- Property appraisal
These loans are commonly used for borrowers with stable income and established credit history.
CONVENTIONAL LOAN QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Typical parameters may include:
- Loan-to-value up to 95–97% depending on program
- Credit scores typically starting in the 620+ range
- Debt-to-income ratio review
- Primary, second home, and limited investment property options
- Conforming and high-balance loan limits based on county
Guidelines vary by lender and borrower profile.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Conventional loan structures may include:
- 15- and 30-year fixed options
- Adjustable-rate mortgage options
- High-balance loans in eligible California counties
- Private mortgage insurance when required
- Rate-and-term and cash-out refinance options
We structure conventional financing around long-term affordability and strategic equity management.
CONVENTIONAL LOAN TERMS
Typical loan parameters may include the following. Guidelines vary by lender and borrower profile.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| States Allowed | California Only |
| Loan Type | Conventional Conforming or High-Balance |
| Lien Position | 1st Position |
| Loan Term | 15–30 years typical |
| Interest Rates | Fixed or Adjustable options |
| Loan Amount | Subject to county loan limits |
| LTV | Up to 97% depending on qualification |
| Credit Score | Minimum credit score typically 640 (varies by lender) |
| Occupancy | Primary, second home, limited investment |
| Property Types | 1–4 unit residential properties (SFR, duplex, triplex, fourplex), warrantable condominiums, townhomes, PUDs, modular homes, and manufactured homes on a permanent foundation |
| Prepayment | Flexible |
| Closing Time | Typically 3–5 weeks |
STRATEGIC USE CASES
Conventional loans are commonly used for:
- Primary residence purchases
- Rate-and-term refinance
- Cash-out refinance
- Second home purchases
- High-balance financing in eligible counties
Conventional financing is often the foundation of long-term homeownership strategy.
PROCESS OVERVIEW
- Income and asset documentation collection
- Credit review and pre-approval
- Appraisal and underwriting review
- Final approval
- Closing and funding
Timelines vary depending on documentation and lender guidelines.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
- Mortgage insurance may apply above 80% LTV
- Debt-to-income ratios are evaluated strictly
- County loan limits apply
- Credit score impacts pricing
We help align conventional mortgage financing with long-term financial planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conventional loans follow agency guidelines and typically require stronger credit profiles compared to FHA programs
Loan limits vary by county and are updated annually.
Yes, for loans above 80% loan-to-value.
Yes. Both rate-and-term and cash-out refinance options are available.
Most conventional loans close within 3–5 weeks.
This program is currently structured for California properties only.
CONVENTIONAL EXAMPLE
Tyler and Emma in Roseville were first-time buyers with stable income.
Purchase Price: $780,000
Loan Amount: $741,000
LTV: Up to 97%
Down Payment: 5%
Term: 30-year fixed
Credit Score: 750
Westpark Loans structured low-down conventional financing that closed in 25 days.
Client Testimonials
Fernando BerroaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike an his team are excellent. I have dealt with many lenders in the past, 20 years. But Mike an his team have been the most honest and reliable group I have met. Definitely my brokers for Life! Gratiza. ryan galliganTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Christian at Westpark Loans was truly outstanding to work with. He was knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly responsive throughout the entire process. He made everything feel smooth, stress-free, and easy to understand from start to finish. If you’re looking for a loan officer you can genuinely trust, I highly recommend Christian! Jerami BrazellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hanna was excellent to work with. She communicated well and followed through with every request we made. I will definitely be doing business with her again in the near future. AJ GilbertTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. In the sea if loan options it was a pleasure to find Mike Illig and Westpark Loans. Mike kept us up to date, was very honest about our options and made the workload of the process easy and straightforward for us. lizzie SarabiaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike was a pleasure to work with!! Very dedicated and quick, staid on top of everything helped us achieve the dream quicker than I thought possible! Bryan LelliTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently worked with Mike Illig at Westpark Loans on a mortgage refinance, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish. Mike took the time to understand my goals, walked me through different options, and clearly explained the pros and cons of each scenario. Throughout the process, he was responsive, transparent, and proactive—whether it was locking in a competitive rate, requesting documents, or keeping me updated on the status of my loan. What really stood out was how seamless Mike made everything. The paperwork was handled efficiently, timelines were clear, and there were no surprises at closing. Thanks to Mike, I was able to lower my payment and improve my overall financial position with far less stress than I expected. I highly recommend Mike Illig and Westpark Loans to anyone considering a mortgage refinance. They’re professional, knowledgeable, and truly put their clients first. Michael JimenezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks Mike for the professional service! He was able to close in a week! Stephanie HwangTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started out my loan process by talking with several different brokers and as the process unfolded I decided to work with Mike because he felt the most genuine, and I'm so glad I did! Mike was very supportive - he worked with me to figure out what I wanted, and he really worked with me to get the terms I wanted. I originally thought I’d be going with one type of loan, but when that option didn’t work out, Mike was knowledgeable and helped me pivot to a different solution and lender that matched my situation. The whole process was seamless — he guided me through every step, explained my options clearly, and made sure I still got the terms I needed. I really appreciated his support, responsiveness, and follow-through. I would definitely work with Mike again!Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 77 reviewsVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Ready to Structure Your Conventional Loan?
Conventional loan programs vary by investor guidelines, county loan limits, and pricing adjustments. As a mortgage broker, we compare agency-approved lenders to align rate, structure, and cost with your qualifying profile. Westpark Loans — Your Trusted Partner in Real Estate Financing.
Broker Advantage Statement
Conventional Loan programs vary by lender and asset eligibility rules. As a mortgage broker, Westpark Loans compares options to align liquidity, leverage, and long-term financial strategy